“He and his wife dedicated their lives to the service of South Africa against crime and I especially enjoyed his enforcement of taxi violations especially outside the station,” he said.

Chairperson of the Mowbray Community Policing Forum (CPF), Jonathan Hobday, said he was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Lieutenant Colonel Rameshwarnath. “ We were just getting to know him and appreciate his friendly personality. We can feel his loss deeply,” he said.

Claremont police members also shared their fondest memories of working with the lieutenant colonel.

Sergeant Wayne Botha said he was not only a commander but also a friend.

“He was excellent to work with and did what needed to be done.”

Sergeant Lutchmee Chetty from Claremont police said he was a commander and a father figure.

“He always gave me good advice regarding my work and had great respect for single working mothers.”

Sergeant Chetty said regardless of his mood, Lieutenant Colonel Rameshwarnath always had the courtesy to ask the other person, “Hello, how are you?”

Claremont CPF chairperson, Abdul Kerbelker, said he was a committed officer who served all members of his community with humility and dignity.

He leaves behind a wife and four children.

The memorial service for Lieutenant Colonel Jairaj Rameshwarnath will be held at the Seven Day Adventist Church, Bollihope Crescent, Mowbray, on Monday July 29, at 10am.

The Southern Suburbs Tatler was established in 1979. This long established popular community title includes the key shopping centres Cavendish Square and Kenilworth Centre within its distribution area.